Leader Talks with Sartaj Sarkaria powered by CCDI Tue, 28 Apr 2026 05:05:14 -0400 https://ccdi.ca en-ca © 2026 Leader Talks with Sartaj Sarkaria powered by CCDI yes 5a99fcf7-e5f6-54bb-ba3d-a05dd8873103 communications@ccdi.ca Sartaj Sarkaria episodic false Each month, Sartaj Sarkaria, President and CEO of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion interviews a leader who is a making a difference in Canada in the field of diversity, inclusion, and equity. Over the course of a year, you will hear from an eclectic group of people who inspire change. 

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Sartaj Sarkaria communications@ccdi.ca https://storage.buzzsprout.com/as4qznvlmo1s212iktjop8n34p63?.jpg Leader Talks with Sartaj Sarkaria powered by CCDI https://ccdi.ca Season 5, Episode 3 | Guests: Barry Alexander and Gavin Barrett Season 5, Episode 3 | Guests: Barry Alexander and Gavin Barrett In this episode of Leader Talks with Sartaj Sarkaria, we sit down with, Barry Alexander and Gavin Barrett, two trailblazers in Canadian marketing, to discuss the power of embracing DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibilities) as a growth strategy. Rather than treating DEIA as a box to check or a defense measure, our guests share how DEIA can become a driving force behind business success. 

Tune in for inspiring stories from Barry and Gavin as they reflect on their personal journeys and experiences that shaped their DEIA views. Learn from their insights on the state of diversity in marketing and the importance of moving past representation and into inclusion. They also share actionable strategies marketing leaders can use to foster belonging, drive meaningful change, and create workplaces where everyone thrives. 

Tune in to hear how inclusive leadership in marketing can dismantle systemic barriers and build lasting, transformative change. 

Key Points From This Episode:

  • Introducing today’s guests, Barry Alexander and Gavin Barrett. 
  • Their lives and how those experiences have shaped their views on EDI. 
  • Why brands that see EDI as a growth strategy have a competitive advantage. 
  • The impact POCAM has had and the need it fulfills. 
  • Where the marketing industry stands in terms of embedding diversity within its teams. 
  • What marketing leaders can do that’s truly impactful in terms of EDI. 
  • How our guests approach the concept of inclusion and belonging in their lives. 
  • Why there is no ‘end’ to EDI and why it’s an ongoing investment.  
  • They answer the previous guest’s question about handling incredibly hard times.  
  • What question today’s guests want to leave for the next guest of Leader Talks. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

]]> In this episode of Leader Talks with Sartaj Sarkaria, we sit down with, Barry Alexander and Gavin Barrett, two trailblazers in Canadian marketing, to discuss the power of embracing DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibilities) as a growth strategy. Rather than treating DEIA as a box to check or a defense measure, our guests share how DEIA can become a driving force behind business success. 

Tune in for inspiring stories from Barry and Gavin as they reflect on their personal journeys and experiences that shaped their DEIA views. Learn from their insights on the state of diversity in marketing and the importance of moving past representation and into inclusion. They also share actionable strategies marketing leaders can use to foster belonging, drive meaningful change, and create workplaces where everyone thrives. 

Tune in to hear how inclusive leadership in marketing can dismantle systemic barriers and build lasting, transformative change. 

Key Points From This Episode:

  • Introducing today’s guests, Barry Alexander and Gavin Barrett. 
  • Their lives and how those experiences have shaped their views on EDI. 
  • Why brands that see EDI as a growth strategy have a competitive advantage. 
  • The impact POCAM has had and the need it fulfills. 
  • Where the marketing industry stands in terms of embedding diversity within its teams. 
  • What marketing leaders can do that’s truly impactful in terms of EDI. 
  • How our guests approach the concept of inclusion and belonging in their lives. 
  • Why there is no ‘end’ to EDI and why it’s an ongoing investment.  
  • They answer the previous guest’s question about handling incredibly hard times.  
  • What question today’s guests want to leave for the next guest of Leader Talks. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

]]> Sartaj Sarkaria Buzzsprout-19086842 Tue, 28 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0400 3111 #LeaderTalks, #Diversity, #Inclusion, #Equity, #DEI, #Canada, #Podcast 5 3 full false Season 5, Episode 2 | Guest: Matt Kenny Season 5, Episode 2 | Guest: Matt Kenny Sharing your story has the power to save the lives of iindividuals experiencing similar hardships.

In this episode of Leader Talks with Sartaj Sarkaria, we welcome Matt Kenny, the self-described ‘recovering hockey player’, marathon runner, and 2SLGBTQIA+ advocate, to discuss how he navigates life as a disabled, queer immigrant. Hear all about his experience playing hockey, why he decided to leave the sport, and navigating life in the United States. as a gay immigrant with a disability.

Matt speaks candidly about the challenges following his multiple sclerosis diagnosis, including a deeply personal and emotional moment of crisis. He sdiscusses the changes that helped him return to running despite his disability, and his journey to the NHL Unites Pride Cup, where he found inspiration to uplift fellow queer athletes. He also reflects on the importance of representation and how embracing both “hockey Matt” and “gay Matt” helped to advance inclusion within the sport.

Listener discretion advised: This episode contains a brief discussion of Matt Kenny’s personal story, which touches on sensitive topics including attempted suicide. Listeners who wish to avoid these references may do so at timestamps 06:47 and 29:58. We encourage you to pause, skip these sections, or seek professional support as needed. Thank you for listening, and we hope you find this episode valuable.

Key Points From This Episode: 

  • Introducing Matt Kenny to the show.  
  • Why he calls himself a ‘recovering hockey player.’ 
  • What Matt is doing today and how his diagnosis has affected his life.   
  • TW: For listeners who wish to avoid Matt’s account of attempted suicide, please skip audio between [00:06:47] and [00:08:28].  
  • The changes Matt made and how he started running again.   
  • His experience attending the NHL Unites Pride Cup and why he was invited.  
  • What Matt wishes he had been told as a young, gay athlete.  
  • How LGBTQ+ representation in media builds confidence within the community.  
  • The impact the You Can Play project is having on young hockey players.  
  • How Matt has improved equity and inclusion in hockey and the resistance he’s faced.  

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: 

]]> Sharing your story has the power to save the lives of iindividuals experiencing similar hardships.

In this episode of Leader Talks with Sartaj Sarkaria, we welcome Matt Kenny, the self-described ‘recovering hockey player’, marathon runner, and 2SLGBTQIA+ advocate, to discuss how he navigates life as a disabled, queer immigrant. Hear all about his experience playing hockey, why he decided to leave the sport, and navigating life in the United States. as a gay immigrant with a disability.

Matt speaks candidly about the challenges following his multiple sclerosis diagnosis, including a deeply personal and emotional moment of crisis. He sdiscusses the changes that helped him return to running despite his disability, and his journey to the NHL Unites Pride Cup, where he found inspiration to uplift fellow queer athletes. He also reflects on the importance of representation and how embracing both “hockey Matt” and “gay Matt” helped to advance inclusion within the sport.

Listener discretion advised: This episode contains a brief discussion of Matt Kenny’s personal story, which touches on sensitive topics including attempted suicide. Listeners who wish to avoid these references may do so at timestamps 06:47 and 29:58. We encourage you to pause, skip these sections, or seek professional support as needed. Thank you for listening, and we hope you find this episode valuable.

Key Points From This Episode: 

  • Introducing Matt Kenny to the show.  
  • Why he calls himself a ‘recovering hockey player.’ 
  • What Matt is doing today and how his diagnosis has affected his life.   
  • TW: For listeners who wish to avoid Matt’s account of attempted suicide, please skip audio between [00:06:47] and [00:08:28].  
  • The changes Matt made and how he started running again.   
  • His experience attending the NHL Unites Pride Cup and why he was invited.  
  • What Matt wishes he had been told as a young, gay athlete.  
  • How LGBTQ+ representation in media builds confidence within the community.  
  • The impact the You Can Play project is having on young hockey players.  
  • How Matt has improved equity and inclusion in hockey and the resistance he’s faced.  

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: 

]]> Sartaj Sarkaria Buzzsprout-18995382 Fri, 10 Apr 2026 13:00:00 -0400 2082 #CCDI,#CDNDiversity,#Podcast,#NewEpisode,#LGBT,#Pride 5 2 full false Season 5, Episode 1 | Guest: Marina Boulos-Winton Season 5, Episode 1 | Guest: Marina Boulos-Winton What does real leadership look like when the goal is not just delivering services, but building a community where people feel seen and supported?

In the debut season of Leader Talks Podcast with Sartaj Sarkaria, we sit down with Marina Boulos-Winton to discuss nonprofit leadership and the systems that shape opportunities. Marina shares how early experiences with social injustice influenced her career path, what she learned through crisis-line and youth support work and how those lessons inform her leadership today.

Marina explains what it means to design services with dignity and why representation and strong community partnerships matter when working with youth and families. Marina also explores the barriers nonprofits face, the value of relationship-building and the kind of leadership mindset that helps teams deliver meaningful outcomes. 

Tune in to hear how community-centred leadership can move beyond intent and create meaningful change with Marina Boulos-Winton. Download the Unity toolkit here https://new-api.ccdi.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Unity_Workplace-Toolkit_EN.pdf, and take your first step toward a safer, more supportive workplace.


Key Points From This Episode:

  • Marina’s path into nonprofit leadership and how social injustice shaped her direction.  
  • Learn how her career journey and experience inform her work in her current role.
  • Her vision for connecting complementary organisations around shared goals. 
  • Common misconceptions around poverty relief and what it actually involves.
  • The progress of equity and inclusion initiatives, and where the gaps still exist.
  • Examples of how Sun Youth provides meaningful support to people in need.
  • Why culturally grounded mentorship builds resilience for youth who lack support.
  • Explore the funding hurdles that limit support for nonprofits and the issues they cause.
  • Advice for emerging nonprofit leaders and what it takes to be successful. 
  • Tips on overcoming resistance to equity and inclusion, and Marina’s leadership habit for 2026.


Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

]]> What does real leadership look like when the goal is not just delivering services, but building a community where people feel seen and supported?

In the debut season of Leader Talks Podcast with Sartaj Sarkaria, we sit down with Marina Boulos-Winton to discuss nonprofit leadership and the systems that shape opportunities. Marina shares how early experiences with social injustice influenced her career path, what she learned through crisis-line and youth support work and how those lessons inform her leadership today.

Marina explains what it means to design services with dignity and why representation and strong community partnerships matter when working with youth and families. Marina also explores the barriers nonprofits face, the value of relationship-building and the kind of leadership mindset that helps teams deliver meaningful outcomes. 

Tune in to hear how community-centred leadership can move beyond intent and create meaningful change with Marina Boulos-Winton. Download the Unity toolkit here https://new-api.ccdi.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Unity_Workplace-Toolkit_EN.pdf, and take your first step toward a safer, more supportive workplace.


Key Points From This Episode:

  • Marina’s path into nonprofit leadership and how social injustice shaped her direction.  
  • Learn how her career journey and experience inform her work in her current role.
  • Her vision for connecting complementary organisations around shared goals. 
  • Common misconceptions around poverty relief and what it actually involves.
  • The progress of equity and inclusion initiatives, and where the gaps still exist.
  • Examples of how Sun Youth provides meaningful support to people in need.
  • Why culturally grounded mentorship builds resilience for youth who lack support.
  • Explore the funding hurdles that limit support for nonprofits and the issues they cause.
  • Advice for emerging nonprofit leaders and what it takes to be successful. 
  • Tips on overcoming resistance to equity and inclusion, and Marina’s leadership habit for 2026.


Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

]]> Sartaj Sarkaria Buzzsprout-18857912 Mon, 16 Mar 2026 18:00:00 -0400 1805 5 1 false